The women’s Volta NXT Classic makes its long-awaited debut as a UCI 1.2 race in 2025, but for those familiar with its past editions, the elevated status feels more like a formality than a reinvention. Formerly run under the name Volta Limburg Classic the race has quietly built a reputation as one of the Netherlands’ toughest and most underappreciated spring tests behind the Amstel Gold Race.
What sets the Volta NXT Classic apart is its mix of narrow, technical roads, a series of punchy climbs, and a format that encourages attacking racing. Despite being a national-level event (NE) until this season, it has consistently drawn elite riders and WorldTeams. Previous winners like Demi Vollering (2019), Mischa Bredewold (2023), and Femke Markus (2024) give a clear indication of the calibre of rider the race attracts—and rewards.
Each edition has followed a similar structure: laps around the hilly terrain of Limburg, with repeated ascents of the Eckelraderweg and Moerslag climbs creating a cumulative fatigue that suits riders who can handle repeated accelerations and aren’t afraid to go long.
In 2023, Bredewold attacked with 14km to go in grim, wet conditions and wasn’t seen again, capitalising on the collapse of an earlier SD Worx move involving Femke Markus and Anna Shackley. Last year, Markus went one better herself, winning a three-up sprint in Eijsden after she, Julia Kopecky, and Niamh Fisher-Black broke clear on the local circuit.
Photo Credit: Raul RademakersRace director Roy Packbier has acknowledged that the UCI upgrade is “a compliment to the past editions” and noted that it has already attracted strong interest from international teams. The 2025 edition will once again start and finish in Eijsden, with an adjusted loop that stays entirely within Dutch borders this time due to logistical constraints. Even so, it keeps the essential character of the race intact—success here still depends on timing, strength and race awareness, not just raw firepower.
That kind of selective finale—often a reduced group or solo rider deciding it—is part of what’s made this race such a proving ground. The parcours isn’t long (just over 120km for the women in 2025), but it is relentless, with plenty of short climbs and almost no flat roads of significance. For a race often won by riders on the brink of a major breakthrough, the Volta NXT Classic has been punching above its weight for years. Now, with its new status and another strong startlist expected, it finally gets the recognition to match its racing.
Which teams are racing at Volta NXT Classic 2025?
- Netherlands National Team
- VolkerWessels Pro Cycling Team
- UAE Development Team
- Lotto Ladies
- Team Coop-Repsol
- AG Insurance Soudal U23
- BePink-Imatra-Bongioanni
- DD Group Pro Cycling Team
- Carbonbike Giordana by Gen Z
- Handsling Alba Development Road Team
- Hess Cycling Team
- Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team
- Aromitalia 3T Vaiano
- CJ O’SHEA Racing Team
- Cynisca Cycling
- Velopro-Alphamotorhomes
- Fenix-Deceuninck Development Team
- Jan Van Arckel
- Flying Freelancers & ZZPR.nl-WV Schijndel
- Baloise Minimax WB Ladies
- MTD Women Cycling
What does the Volta NXT Classic race profile look like?
Where can I watch the Volta NXT Classic race?
The race will be live on L1 (Limburg TV) online and without geo-blocks on Saturday 5th April 2025 from 1pm BST.
Who are the main riders to watch?
- Femke Gerritse
- Anne Knijnenburg
- Lucinda Stewart
- Camilla Rånes Bye
- Rasa Leleivyte
- Eline van Rooijen
- Rosita Reijnhout
- Elisa Valtulini
- Femke Markus
- Noa Jansen
- Liv Wenzel
- Olha Kulynych
- Febe Jooris
- Helena Bieber
- Paula Blasi
- Manon de Boer
- Eluned King
